Missing Link - 1994 01-02 - no 130

Magazine Overview

Title: The Missing Link
Issue: Number 130
Date: January/February 1994
Volume: 14
Publisher: Living Light Productions
Country: USA
ISSN: 10633502
Price: $20 (USA/Canada)

This issue of The Missing Link, published bi-monthly, addresses the magazine's financial challenges and a return to an older format due to rising costs. The cover features a winter landscape with a lake and snow-covered trees, with a disk-like object hovering in the sky.

Editorial

The editorial section begins with an editor's note from Aileen Garoutte, thanking subscribers for their support and explaining the return to an older format due to the expense of typesetting in New York. She apologizes for the lateness of current issues, attributing it to funding issues and rising printing costs. Garoutte also encourages readers to ask local bookstores to carry the magazine to help with distribution and funding.

The editor then discusses a newsletter received from Bill Knell, criticizing Knell for allegedly damaging the reputation of researchers within the UFO community. Garoutte specifically defends Clifford Stone, Associate Director in Roswell, New Mexico, stating that Stone likely knows more about UFO phenomena than anyone else, citing his book on the government cover-up. She warns that Knell's public criticisms of Stone could be legally actionable.

Garoutte also mentions a letter sent to UFO organizations speaking out against Dr. Bruce Maccabee, indicating that Dr. Maccabee will respond in a retaliatory letter received by their office.

Poetry

A poem titled "IT DIDN'T JUST HAPPEN" by H.E.M. Snyder is included. The poem offers a theological perspective, suggesting that events in life, including troubles and accidents, are part of a divine plan orchestrated by God.

Personal Note from the Editor

Aileen Garoutte writes a personal note to readers, informing them that "The Missing Link" will soon be coming from Houston, Texas, as she is in transition. She states that her efforts will be dedicated to the magazine and that she has finished her career at the Boeing Company. She asks for patience and understanding, promising more exciting information once she is settled in Houston.

Letters and Responses

Letter to Ufologist from Bruce Maccabee:
Dr. Bruce Maccabee addresses ufologists regarding the Associated Investigators Report #1 (AIR), published by the Associated Investigators Group (AIG). He clarifies his association with the CIA, stating it is based on professional activities related to his Navy work and has not impacted his UFO research or the Fund for UFO Research. Maccabee refutes the AIR report's claims of his "secret" CIA association and its alleged negative impact on the UFO field. He criticizes the AIR report for its use of innuendo, false logic, and errors, cautioning readers against blind acceptance.

Accusation #1 and Response:
The AIR report accuses Maccabee of supporting "obviously" poor UFO cases (New Zealand, Kirtland Landing Case, Gulf Breeze, Guardian) and claims this support was "CIA inspired" to keep serious UFO investigation out of the public domain. Maccabee refutes this, stating that his CIA acquaintances have shown skepticism towards UFO sightings and that his support for cases is based on his own investigations, not CIA influence. He argues that the AIR writer's accusations are opinions unsupported by evidence.

Accusation #2 and Response:
The AIR report further alleges that Maccabee's CIA association negatively impacted the Fund for UFO Research's policy, specifically in rejecting Walter Todd Zechel's proposal to sue the CIA and in funding MJ-12 research despite knowing the MJ-12 papers are fakes. Maccabee strongly denies this, explaining that the Fund operated by a committee of five, where he had only one vote, and decisions required a majority. He states the CIA had no input into the Fund's decisions. He explains that WTZ's proposal was rejected due to bad timing and WTZ's own issues, referencing the history of the 1977-1978 CIA lawsuit initiated by Ground Saucer Watch (GSW).

Walter Todd Zechel's Letter to Bruce Maccabee:
A letter from Walter Todd Zechel to Bruce Maccabee, dated June 21, 1986, is included. Zechel expresses his busy schedule with investigations and dismisses the AIR report's charges as "crap." He urges Maccabee to continue demanding evidence and proof from others, as he does from himself.

Bruce Maccabee's Response to AIR:
Maccabee analyzes the AIR report, questioning its origin and purpose. He notes that the report's author is unnamed, though 14 pseudonyms are listed. He highlights the report's claim of "godlike accuracy" and its advice for readers not to try to identify the authors. Maccabee points out an immediate spelling error ("pellican") as evidence against the report's claimed perfection.

He details the accusations against him, including supporting questionable UFO cases and his CIA association influencing the Fund for UFO Research. Maccabee counters that his CIA contacts have not influenced his UFO research and that the Fund's decisions were made by a committee, not solely by him. He speculates that WTZ's intent in circulating the AIR report might be to remove him from the Fund's Executive Committee.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO research, investigative reporting, and the controversies within the UFO community. The editorial stance, as represented by Aileen Garoutte and Dr. Bruce Maccabee, is one of defending researchers against what they perceive as unfounded accusations and misrepresentations, particularly from groups like the Associated Investigators Group. There is a strong emphasis on evidence-based research and a critical view of sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims. The issue also touches upon the financial struggles of independent publications in the field.

Title: The Missing Link
Issue: 130
Date: January/February 1994

This issue of The Missing Link delves into several contentious topics within the UFO community, including legal battles for document disclosure, the controversial MJ-12 documents, and a review of the state of ufology in 1993. The publication critically examines the decisions and actions of UFO research organizations and researchers, aiming to provide a balanced perspective on complex issues.

Lawsuit Against the CIA and the Fund's Decision

The article details a proposal by W. Todd Zechel to re-sue the CIA for thousands of documents that he believed had not been released. Zechel's initial lawsuit, based on a paper written in January 1987, suggested that the CIA had initially led legal staff to believe there were around 10,000 documents, but later acknowledged only a portion. A previous bulletin from Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) in September 1978 indicated that the CIA had located over 5,000 documents, a number that had apparently doubled over time. Zechel's proposal to the Fund for UFO Research was reviewed by its Executive Committee.

The committee based its decision on several factors. Firstly, Zechel did not present a strong case that more pages would be released, relying on speculation and hearsay rather than concrete proof. Secondly, the previous FOI lawsuit had only retrieved documents classified as Secret and below, and the CIA and NSA had successfully used 'national security' as a reason to withhold documents, suggesting similar excuses could be used again for more sensitive information. The committee saw little hope that a new lawsuit would yield significantly more documents than already obtained.

Furthermore, the committee considered Zechel's past actions and personality. Despite acknowledging his persistence as an investigator of UFO crashes and government cover-ups, his meteoric rise and fall in the field (1976-79), his alleged unpaid debts for phone investigations, and his abrupt departure, leaving 'pissed off people in my wake,' were significant negative factors. The committee felt that supporting Zechel would lead to condemnation from other researchers.

A third reason for rejection was Zechel's indication of impending large financial gains from two books and a feature film, leading the committee to question why he needed funding from the Fund. Finally, bad timing played a role, as the Fund was actively fundraising for the International MUFON Symposium in June 1987, needing to raise approximately $15,000 or more in donations. Zechel's proposal requested an initial $500 for basic expenses, followed by an additional $2,000 retainer for attorneys, totaling $2,500 needed in the spring/summer of 1987, a period when the Fund was trying to save every penny for the symposium.

The article refutes the AIR (a publication) version of this 'rejection incident,' calling it 'hot air' and questioning AIR's claim of investigatorial perfection. The Fund's decision not to fund the CIA lawsuit apparently did not sit well with Zechel, who, in his January 1987 draft of 'For Your Eyes Only,' criticized UFOlogists for being more concerned with conventions than with investigating UFOs and fighting for disclosure.

The MJ-12 Documents and Friedman's Research

The issue also addresses the MJ-12 documents, referred to as the 'Eisenhower Briefing Document' (EIB). The hot AIR paper claimed the Fund 'quickly rejected Zechel's proposal, but later handed $16,000 to Friedman.' The Missing Link clarifies that Friedman received support for MJ-12 research 2 1/2 years later, under different circumstances. The EIB was released in the spring of 1987, preceding the 1987 Symposium. Following charges and countercharges, the Fund polled contributors in the summer of 1988, with MJ-12 emerging as the top interest. The Fund then made a public appeal for a $16,000 proposal by Stan Friedman to investigate the document's validity. The article emphasizes that this was a 'shot in the dark' and that diligent searching of old records was necessary.

The writer of the article, identified as Richard Hall, Chairman of the Fund for UFO Research, addresses allegations made in the AIR paper regarding his 'CIA contacts' and their influence on the Fund's decisions. Hall states that his CIA contacts never advised him or influenced the Fund's decisions and were as puzzled and skeptical about the MJ-12 documents as everyone else. He refutes the claim that he supported MJ-12 research knowing the EIB was fake, stating he still does not know if it is fake, partially true, or partially false, noting that many 'conclusive' arguments against it have been ill-conceived.

Hall also discusses other allegations from the AIR paper, listing 18 errors of fact, illogic, or innuendo. He notes that the AIR paper is loaded with ad hominem attacks and verges on libel and slander. He expresses concern that the 'cat is now out of the bag' regarding his 'CIA association,' which may lead to suspicion from paranoid UFO community members. He advises readers to view future AIR reports skeptically, given that the AIG members are not infallible.

1993 Review ofiology

Preston E. Dennett provides a comprehensive review of ufology in 1993, noting the field's continued growth and increasing popularity. The MUFON UFO JOURNAL reported a record subscription base of 4,000, and several UFO magazines, including INTERNATIONAL UFO LIBRARY MAGAZINE, UFOLOGIST, UFO ENCOUNTERS, UNICUS, and the new FAR OUT!, have survived or debuted. Established publications like FATE, INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER, and JUST CAUSE continue to flourish.

The year saw a boom in new UFO books, covering topics from family UFO experiences (INTO THE FRINGE) to government conspiracy and time-travel (MONTAUK: ADVENTURES IN SYNCHRONICITY). Other notable books include THE ALLAGASH ABDUCTIONS by Raymond E. Fowler, FORBIDDEN SCIENCE by Jacques Vallee, LOST WAS THE KEY by Leah Haley, THE BATTLE OF LOS ANGELES by Terrenz Sword, MESSAGE FROM THE PLEIADES, VOLUME THREE by Wendelle C. Stevens, THE CONTACTEES MANUSCRIPT by Joseph Randazzo, and ALIEN IDENTITIES by Richard L. Thompson.

Controversies remain a staple of ufology. The Roswell case continues to be a focus of media attention, with ongoing arguments over witness accounts and crash versions. Researchers debate the objective reality of abductions, underground bases, and the extraterrestrial hypothesis versus multi-dimensional or occult theories. The contactee movement is also seeing a resurgence.

A significant event was the Linda Cortile case, an abduction that occurred in 1992 and remained in the UFO limelight, with a book in the works. The 1992 Roper Poll, which found that one in fifty people may have been abducted, generated much discussion throughout 1993, despite some researchers questioning its validity.

The second annual march on Washington by the group RIGHT TO KNOW sparked mixed reactions, with some believing it would increase ridicule and others arguing it would draw media attention. The event proceeded and received mainstream coverage.

Exciting events included the August 21 failure of the Mars Probe to photograph the Martian Face, raising eyebrows among researchers like Professor Richard Hoagland. The UFO arena saw the passing of Terrell W. Ecker, editor and publisher of THE UFOLOGIST. New figures emerged, such as Ed Dames of Psi-Tech, known for remote viewing claims. Bruce Maccabee admitted meeting with the CIA but denied official connections. Donald M. Ware was removed from the MUFON board due to his inclusion of paranormal topics. Antonio Huneeus took over Jerome Clark's column at FATE MAGAZINE.

Whitley Strieber reported continued visitor experiences but intended to stay out of the UFO field for now. Robert Lazar continued to appear in articles and conventions. George Knapp reported on Russian research into UFOs, including pilot encounters and fatal incidents. Vladimir Terziski, William Cooper, John Lear, and others reported on underground bases, government conspiracies, and human-alien cooperation.

Nominees for the annual MUFON award included Edith Fiore, John Ford, Stanton Friedman, Cynthia Hind, Budd Hopkins, Linda Moulton Howe, Pat Marcattilo, Dennis Stacy, Leonard H. Stringfield, Doris Upchurch, and Donald M. Ware. Bad news included the cancellation of the TV program SIGHTINGS, replaced by the fictional X-FILES, and the cable premiere of OFFICIAL DENIAL receiving poor reviews. The movie FIRE IN THE SKY boosted UFO popularity despite its fictionalized abduction segment.

Good news included the nationwide syndication of the radio program UFOS TONITE, hosted by Don Ecker. A unique event was the live on-air marriage of Don Ecker and Vicki Cooper. Exciting new UFO encounters were reported in Clearlake, California, and CSETI reported a successful CE-V in Mexico. Fyffe county, Alabama, reported unexplained lights and cattle mutilations. Area 51 continued to draw curiosity, with William Hamilton reporting a missing time experience. The Long Island UFO Network (LIUFON) released a report on a possible UFO crash in New York, and the Guardian Case in Ottawa, Canada, gained notoriety from a 1991 video-tape. The 'Taos Hum' story appeared in major UFO publications. Strange 'sky-quakes' were heard in Los Angeles, attributed to the Aurora spy-plane. Gulf Breeze, Florida, remained a UFO hot-spot.

Wild stories and rumors included accounts of human mutilations, a lady claiming to be an alien hybrid, and claims of open contact with UFOs and massive earth changes. The constant rumor of the US government planning to end the UFO cover-up and disclose that UFOs are real persisted, though without solid proof.

Overall, 1993 was a busy and popular year for UFOs, with the field becoming larger and more complex. The article concludes that as UFO evidence mounts, it will become increasingly difficult to ignore, and the age of video cameras and satellite communication suggests that conclusive proof of UFO reality may be imminent, possibly in 1994.

Letters and Comics

The issue includes a letter from Donald Nelson to 'Tro' regarding planets beyond PlutoCar and a revised formula for understanding the relationships within the Sol system. Nelson discusses the discovery of planets like RaShal (RaShalom) and Kyron (Chiron), and the four orbit zones beyond PlutoCar. He criticizes the lack of knowledge among astronomers regarding the quantity, sizes, orbit times, and distances of celestial bodies in the Sol system. The letter also provides proportions for measuring distances within the solar system, using the Earth-Luna pair as a unit of measure.

Two 'SHOE' comic strips are included, one humorously exploring the idea of a machine being a sophisticated alien lifeform, and the other depicting aliens infiltrating human society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges and controversies within UFO research, including the pursuit of government transparency through legal means, the critical examination of evidence and claims, and the ongoing debate about the nature and reality of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, emphasizing the need for rigorous evidence, transparency, and a balanced perspective, while also acknowledging the growing public interest and the potential for future breakthroughs in understanding UFOs. The publication aims to debunk what it perceives as 'hot air' and misinformation within the UFO community, particularly from sources like AIR, while supporting diligent research efforts.

Title: The Missing Link
Issue: 130
Date: January/February 1994

This issue of The Missing Link magazine, a publication focused on UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and related topics, presents a diverse range of articles and reader contributions.

Reader's Astronomical Theories

A reader named Don (Donald Nelson of Seahurst, WA) shares his personal formula for understanding matter and energy in the Sol system, proposing the existence of two large systems preceding the known planets. He questions current astronomy's ignorance of these systems and suggests zones beyond PlutoCar. He identifies a planet named Maldec (also called Maldek, Marduke, Marduk, and Malona), the 'Destroyer Planet', in orbit 16, stating it contains eighty-eight times the volume of matter/energy as Earth. He claims Maldec dragged Venus from the Uranus system in 1479 B.C., causing the Santorini Volcano eruption. He also mentions another planet in orbit 15 with matter/energy 49.3, and provides figures for orbits 14, 13, and 12 (PlutoCar). He asks for clarification on the orbits of previously discussed planets and the occupants of orbit 14.

The Saga of Secret Canyon

Tom Dongo writes about Secret Canyon in Sedona, Arizona, an area he has avoided writing about due to its sensitive nature. He notes that activity in the canyon has been quiet for some time, possibly due to increased population and construction in Sedona. Dongo recounts the earliest unusual activity in Secret Canyon around 1920, when ranchers encountered a dense fog, a roaring sound, and a bright ball of light. He states that 80% of UFO activity in Arizona occurs near Secret Canyon or Secret Mountain, suggesting it might be a portal or an entrance to an underground base. He mentions incidents of hikers being gripped by fear, encountering men in black uniforms or orange jumpsuits, and UFOs shooting beams of light into the canyon. Despite these occurrences, he notes that 99.9% of visitors have normal experiences and there is no real reason to avoid the area for hiking or camping, though he personally would not camp in the back half of the canyon.

Soldier's Pass Incident

Dongo briefly mentions an incident near Soldier's Pass where he found a piece of aircraft fuselage painted lime green, which an FAA official identified as possibly from a twin-engine Cessna that crashed in 1980. He also notes that a friend found similar wreckage pieces near Loy Canyon, identified as part of a Korean War-era jet fighter.

Item of Interest: Angels and Mars Probe

This section discusses an article from TIME magazine about angels and the 'immaculate conception' of Mary. It then transitions to the controversy surrounding the Mars Probe mission, questioning the official explanations of failure. A group of independent scientists, led by Richard Hoagland, is investigating the Mars mission and claims evidence of sabotage prior to launch. They also allege that NASA is practicing public censorship, particularly regarding the 'Cydonia Region' on Mars. Hoagland's team has been studying anomalous geologic formations on Mars since 1976. A 1961 document from the Brookings Institute is cited, which discusses the implications of discovering extraterrestrial life and how such information might be presented or withheld from the public.

The article also references a 1966 Seattle Post Intelligencer story about 'Strange Spires' sighted on the Moon, suggesting a disinformation mechanism was used to downplay the discovery. It further points to the Apollo 14 moon landing, where astronauts blocked the camera's view of a waving flag, an event inconsistent with the doctrine of no atmosphere on the Moon. The Mars Probe's contamination incident, involving metal filings and other debris, is detailed, with a second incident of Vaseline found between the lenses of the Malin Camera, suggesting deliberate sabotage. The article claims the Mars Probe is a 'stealth' mission and operational, with parts of the program under strict military control, and that the review panel investigating the loss consists entirely of Naval investigators.

Encounters with Angels

This section features personal accounts of angelic encounters. Ann Cannady recounts how an angel named Thomas told her that her advanced uterine cancer was gone, a claim later medically confirmed. She describes a powerful, warm presence and a white light passing through her body. Melissa Deal Forth shares the story of her husband, Chris Deal, who, shortly before his death from leukemia, met a man she believes was his guardian angel. She describes the angel as having a smooth, pale complexion and striking ice-blue eyes. The encounter brought Chris peace of mind, though it did not save his life.

UWSA Examines the Loss of the Billion Dollar Mars Probe

This article reiterates the concerns about the Mars Probe's failure, questioning the official narrative. It highlights Richard Hoagland's investigation, which suggests sabotage and censorship by NASA. The article mentions the 'Cydonia Region' on Mars and NASA's alleged reluctance to re-image it. It references a 1961 Brookings Institute document that discussed the potential discovery of extraterrestrial artifacts and the implications of withholding such information from the public. The article also brings up the 1966 'Strange Spires' sighting on the Moon and the Apollo 14 flag incident as examples of NASA's tendency to deceive the public. The contamination of the Mars Probe is detailed, with evidence suggesting deliberate sabotage. The probe is described as a 'stealth' mission, with parts of the program under military control and a review panel composed of Naval investigators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFOs, extraterrestrial contact, paranormal phenomena, and alleged government cover-ups. The articles suggest a hidden reality beyond mainstream scientific and governmental explanations. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official narratives and a belief in the importance of uncovering suppressed information. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting alternative viewpoints and encouraging readers to question established authorities, particularly in the fields of space exploration and unexplained phenomena.